Spade bit having reamer feature

ABSTRACT

A spade bit includes a shaft defining an axis about which the spade bit is configured to be rotated. The space bit also includes a blade attached to the shaft and having a first paddle portion and a second paddle portion. In addition, the spade bit includes a tip portion attached to the blade and aligned with the axis. The first paddle portion includes (i) a first leading end portion positioned on a first side of the axis and configured to define a first cutting edge portion, and (ii) a first lateral extension portion configured to define a first sloping surface. The first paddle portion defines a first relief space positioned adjacent to both the first sloping portion and the first leading end portion. The second paddle portion includes (i) a second leading end portion positioned on an opposite second side of the axis and configured to define a second cutting edge portion, and (ii) a second lateral extension portion configured to define a second sloping surface. The second paddle portion defines a second relief space positioned adjacent to both the second sloping portion and the second leading end portion.

This application is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 12/248,465, filed on Oct. 9, 2008, which in turn claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/998,299 filed on Oct. 10, 2007. The disclosures of the two above-identified patent applications are hereby totally incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to an accessory for a power tool, and more particularly relates to a spade bit.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a spade bit that includes a shaft defining an axis about which the spade bit is configured to be rotated. The spade bit further includes a blade attached to the shaft and having a first paddle portion and a second paddle portion. The first paddle portion includes (i) a first leading end portion configured to define a first cutting edge portion, and (ii) a first lateral extension portion configured to define a first sloping surface. The first paddle portion defines a first relief space positioned adjacent to both said first sloping portion and said first leading end portion. The second paddle portion includes (i) a second leading end portion configured to define a second cutting edge portion, and (ii) a second lateral extension portion configured to define a second sloping surface. The second paddle portion defines a second relief space positioned adjacent to both the second sloping portion and the second leading end portion.

According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a spade bit that includes a shaft defining an axis about which the spade bit is configured to be rotated. The space bit also includes a blade attached to the shaft and having a first paddle portion and a second paddle portion. In addition, the spade bit includes a tip portion attached to the blade and aligned with the axis. The first paddle portion includes (i) a first leading end portion positioned on a first side of the axis and configured to define a first cutting edge portion, and (ii) a first lateral extension portion configured to define a first sloping surface. The first paddle portion defines a first relief space positioned adjacent to both said first sloping portion and said first leading end portion. The second paddle portion includes (i) a second leading end portion positioned on an opposite second side of the axis and configured to define a second cutting edge portion, and (ii) a second lateral extension portion configured to define a second sloping surface. The second paddle portion defines a second relief space positioned adjacent to both the second sloping portion and the second leading end portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective, partial schematic view of the spade bit according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is top elevational view of the space bit of FIG. 1, with the shaft removed for clarity of viewing;

FIG. 3 is bottom elevational view of the space bit of FIG. 1, with the shaft removed for clarity of viewing;

FIG. 4 is side elevational view of the space bit of FIG. 1, with the shaft removed for clarity of viewing;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the blade of the spade bit taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is (i) a cross sectional view of the blade of the spade bit taken along the line 6 a-6 a of FIG. 4, and (ii) a cross sectional view of the blade of the spade bit taken along the line 6 b-6 b of FIG. 4 after the spade bit is rotated 180° about the axis 18 with respect to its position in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is (i) a cross sectional view of the blade of the spade bit taken along the line 7 a-7 a of FIG. 4, and (ii) a cross sectional view of the blade of the spade bit taken along the line 7 b-7 b of FIG. 4 after the spade bit is rotated 180° about the axis 18 with respect to its position in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is (i) a cross sectional view of the blade of the spade bit taken along the line 8 a-8 a of FIG. 4, and (ii) a cross sectional view of the blade of the spade bit taken along the line 8 b-8 b of FIG. 4 after the spade bit is rotated 180° about the axis 18 with respect to its position in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a spade bit according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the spade bit of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the spade bit described herein is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the spade bit to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a spade bit 10. The spade bit 10 includes a shaft 12 and a paddle or blade 14. The shaft 12 includes a polygonal-shaped end portion 16 such as a hexagonally-shaped end portion. The polygonal-shaped end portion 16 of the shaft 12 is schematically shown in FIG. 1. As an example, the polygonal-shaped end portion 16 may be identical in construction and configuration to the hexagonal driving end 16 of the spade bit disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,143 issued to Schimke, the disclosure of which is herein totally incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The shaft 12 defines an axis 18 about which the spade bit 10 is configured to be rotated. In particular, the polygonal-shaped end portion 16 is configured to be received in a chuck of a power drill 20 as schematically shown in FIG. 1. During operation of the power drill 20 with the end portion 16 secured firmly within its chuck, the spade bit 10 is rotated in a path of movement about the axis 18 in the direction of arrow 20. So rotated, the spade bit 10 is configured to cut a hole (not shown) in a work piece (not shown).

The blade 14 includes a blade portion 22 and a blade portion 24. The blade portion 22 defines a leading face portion 26 and a trailing face portion 28. The leading face portion 26 is shaped to possess a concave configuration as shown in FIGS. 1-8. In contrast, the trailing face portion 28 is shaped to possess a convex configuration. Similarly, the blade portion 24 defines a leading face portion 30 and a trailing face portion 32. The leading face portion 30 is shaped to possess a concave configuration, and the trailing face portion 32 is shaped to possess a convex configuration.

The blade portion 22 includes a shoulder 34 that defines a cutting edge portion 36. Similarly, the blade portion 24 includes a shoulder 38 that defines a cutting edge portion 40. As shown in FIG. 1, the cutting edge portion 36 lies on a border portion of the leading face portion 26. Similarly, the cutting edge portion 40 lies on a border portion of the leading face portion 30.

As shown in FIG. 4, the cutting edge portion 36 defines a line L1, while the cutting edge portion 40 defines a line L2. Both the lines L1 and L2 lie in a plane P1 as shown in FIG. 2. It should be appreciated that what is meant herein by the language “the cutting edge portion defines a line” is the blade 14 is manufactured so that the cutting edge portion 36, 40 substantially defines a line, with any variances from absolutely defining a line being due to normal commercial manufacturing tolerances. It should further be appreciated that what is meant herein by the language “the line lies in a plane” or “the cutting edge portion lies in a plane” is the blade 14 is manufactured so that the line L1, L2 substantially lies in a plane or the cutting edge portion 36, 40 substantially lies in a plane, with any variances from absolutely lying in a plane being due to normal commercial manufacturing tolerances.

An area A1 (see FIGS. 6-8) is defined between the plane P1 and the leading face portion 26 when the blade portion 22 is viewed in a cross section taken along a plane P2 which is spaced apart from the axis 18 by a distance D1 (see FIG. 4). A1 increases as the distance D1 increases. The blade portion 22 is identical in construction and configuration to the blade portion 24. Accordingly, an area A2 (see FIGS. 6-8) is defined between the plane P1 and the leading face portion 30 when the blade portion 24 is viewed in a cross section taken along a plane P3 which is spaced apart from the axis 18 by a distance D2 (see FIG. 4). A2 increases as the distance D2 increases.

Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 6-8, there is shown the blade 14 in more detail. In particular, FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the blade portion 22 taken along the line 6 a-6 a of FIG. 4. Note that this cross section is taken in a plane P2 a that is spaced apart from the axis 18 by a distance D1 a. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the area Ala is defined between the plane P1 and the leading face portion 26. FIG. 7 shows a cross section of the blade portion 22 taken along the line 7 a-7 a of FIG. 4. Note that this cross section is taken in a plane P2 b that is spaced apart from the axis 18 by a distance D1 b. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the area A1 b is defined between the plane P1 and the leading face portion 26. FIG. 8 shows a cross section of the blade portion 22 taken along the line 8 a-8 a of FIG. 4. Note that this cross section is taken in a plane P2 c that is spaced apart from the axis 18 by a distance D1 c. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the area A1 c is defined between the plane P1 and the leading face portion 26. It should be appreciated that D1 a<D1 b<D1 c. Moreover, it should be appreciated that A1 a<A1 b<A1 c. As stated above, A1 increases as the distance D1 increases, and this relationship continues with an increasing D1 until the lateral edge 42 of the blade portion 22 is reached.

Similarly, FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the blade portion 24 taken along the line 6 b-6 b of FIG. 4 after the spade bit is rotated 180° about the axis 18 with respect to its position in FIG. 4. Note that this cross section is taken in a plane P3 a that is spaced apart from the axis 18 by a distance D2 a. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the area A2 a is defined between the plane P1 and the leading face portion 30. FIG. 7 shows a cross section of the blade portion 24 taken along the line 7 b-7 b of FIG. 4 after the spade bit is rotated 180° about the axis 18 with respect to its position in FIG. 4. Note that this cross section is taken in a plane P3 b that is spaced apart from the axis 18 by a distance D2 b. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the area A2 b is defined between the plane P1 and the leading face portion 30. FIG. 8 shows a cross section of the blade portion 24 taken along the line 8 b-8 b of FIG. 4 after the spade bit is rotated 180° about the axis 18 with respect to its position in FIG. 4. Note that this cross section is taken in a plane P3 c that is spaced apart from the axis 18 by a distance D2 c. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the area A2 c is defined between the plane P1 and the leading face portion 30. It should be appreciated that D2 a<D2 b<D2 c. Moreover, it should be appreciated that A2 a<A2 b<A2 c. As stated above, A2 increases as the distance D2 increases, and this relationship continues with an increasing D2 until the lateral edge 44 of the blade portion 24 is reached.

As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the area A1 is bound by the plane P1 and the leading face portion 26 when viewed in such cross section. More specifically, the plane P1 and the leading face portion 26 completely enclose the area A1 when viewed in such cross section. While this arrangement is preferred, many advantages are still obtained when the plane P1 and the leading fact portion 26 do not completely enclose the area A1. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, the area A2 is bound by the plane P1 and the leading face portion 30 when viewed in such cross section. More specifically, the plane P1 and the leading face portion 30 completely enclose the area A2 when viewed in such cross section. While this arrangement is preferred, many advantages are still obtained when the plane P1 and the leading fact portion 30 do not completely enclose the area A2.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the plane P1 is shown with respect to the blade 14 in various views. The plane P1 divides the blade 14 into two equal parts. FIGS. 2 and 4 show the line L1 and the line L2 with respect to the blade 14 in different views. FIG. 2 shows both lines L1 (defined by the cutting edge portion 36) and L2 (defined by the cutting edge portion 40) being located in the plane P1. Also, the line L1 intersects the line L2 at a point M so as to define an angle θ. Preferably, the angle θ is between 162° and 174°. However, the angle θ may be more than 174° (or less than 162°) and still achieve many of the benefits of the spade bit 10 described herein. For example, the angle θ may be 180° or alternatively may be 150°. Note that the point M lies on the axis 18 as shown in FIG. 4. Also note that the longitudinal axis 18 is positioned in plane P1 as shown in FIG. 2.

The spade bit 10 further includes a tip portion 46. The blade 14 is interposed between the tip portion 46 and the shaft 12 as shown in FIG. 1. The tip portion 46 is non-threaded. As an example, the tip portion 46 may be identical in construction and configuration to the central point 48 of the spade bit disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,143 issued to Schimke. Alternatively, the tip portion 46 may be partially threaded or may be entirely threaded. For example, the tip portion 46 may be identical in construction and configuration to any of the threaded tip portions of the spade bits disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0083595 published on Apr. 20, 2006 (Wiker et al.), the disclosure of which is herein totally incorporated by reference in its entirety. In addition, a threaded portion may be added to each of the lateral edges 42, 44 of the blade 14. For example, such threaded portion may be identical in construction and configuration to the outer threads 260 of the spade bit disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0083595 published on Apr. 20, 2006 (Wiker et al.).

The blade 14 is configured such the that shoulders 34, 38 have a planar top surface that extends from the tip portion 46 to the lateral edges 42, 44. Alternatively, the blade 14 includes a pair of spurs 48 extending from the shoulders portions 34, 38 as shown in phantom in FIG. 4. The spurs 48 may be identical in construction and configuration to the spurs 62, 64 of the spade bit disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,143 issued to Schimke.

As a further alternative, each of the blade portions 22, 24 may be configured so that the spade bit 10 is a reamer. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, the blade portion 22 includes a lateral extension portion 88 (shown in phantom) that is configured to define a relief space 90 located above a sloping surface 92 of the lateral extension portion 88. Similarly, the blade portion 24 includes a lateral extension portion 93 (shown in phantom) that is configured to define a relief space 92 located above a sloping surface 94 of the lateral extension portion 93. The lateral extension portion 88 is integrally formed with the rest of the blade portion 22, while the lateral extension portion 93 is integrally formed with the rest of the blade portion 24.

Turning now to FIGS. 9 and 10, there is shown another embodiment of a spade bit 10′ according to the present disclosure. The spade bit 10′ is identical in construction and configuration to the spade bit 10 of FIG. 1, except for three differences. As a result, like reference numerals (ones without prime symbols and ones with prime symbols) will be used for corresponding features of the two spade bits 10, 10′.

The first difference relates to the tip portions 46, 46′ of the spade bits 10, 10′. In particular, the spade bit 10′ includes a frusto-conically-shaped tip portion 46′ having threads 60′ extending from its apex 62′ to a location adjacent to its shoulders 34′ and 38′ as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Alternatively, the tip portion 46′ may be entirely conical with threads 60′ running from its apex 62′ to a location adjacent to its shoulders 34′ and 38′ as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. As a further alternative, the threads 60′ of the tip portion 46′ may extend from its apex 62′ all the way to its shoulders 34′ and 38′.

The second difference between the spade bit 10 of FIG. 1 and the spade bit 10′ of FIGS. 9 and 10 is due to the spade bit 10′ being configured as a reamer. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the blade portion 22′ includes a lateral extension portion 88′ that is configured to define a relief space 90′ located above a sloping surface 92′ of the lateral extension portion 88′. Similarly, the blade portion 24′ includes a lateral extension portion 93′ that is configured to define a relief space 92′ located above a sloping surface 94′ of the lateral extension portion 93′. The lateral extension portion 88′ is integrally formed with the rest of the blade portion 22′, while the lateral extension portion 93′ is integrally formed with the rest of the blade portion 24′.

The third difference between the spade bit 10 of FIG. 1 and the spade bit 10′ of FIGS. 9 and 10 relates to the spade bit 10′ having a pair of spurs 48′ extending from its shoulders portions 34′, 38′. The spurs 48′ may be configured to be identical in construction and configuration to the spurs 62, 64 of the spade bit disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,143 issued to Schimke.

There is a plurality of advantages arising from the various features of each of the embodiments of the spade bit described herein. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the spade bit may not include all of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations of the spade bit that incorporates one or more of the features and fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A spade bit, comprising: a shaft defining an axis about which the spade bit is configured to be rotated; and a blade operably connected to the shaft and extending forwardly from the shaft, the blade having a first paddle portion and a second paddle portion, wherein the first paddle portion includes (i) a first leading end portion defining a first cutting edge portion which extends to an outermost portion of the first leading end portion at a first maximum distance directly radially outward from the axis, and (ii) a first lateral extension portion defining a first sloping surface which slopes forwardly from a first outer portion to a first inner portion closer to the axis, the first inner portion at a first minimum distance directly radially outward from the axis, wherein the first paddle portion defines a first relief space positioned adjacent to both the first sloping portion and the first leading end portion, wherein the first minimum distance is less than the first maximum distance, wherein the second paddle portion includes (i) a second leading end portion defining a second cutting edge portion, and (ii) a second lateral extension portion defining a second sloping surface which slopes forwardly from a second outer portion to a second inner portion closer to the axis, and wherein the second paddle portion defines a second relief space positioned adjacent to both the second sloping portion and the second leading end portion.
 2. The spade bit of claim 1, wherein a plane P1 divides the blade into two equal parts.
 3. The spade bit of claim 2, wherein the axis is positioned in the plane P1.
 4. The spade bit of claim 1, further comprising a tip portion that is operably connected to the blade, wherein the blade is interposed between the tip portion and the shaft.
 5. The spade bit of claim 4, wherein: the tip portion is aligned with the axis.
 6. The spade bit of claim 1, wherein the shaft includes a polygonal-shaped end portion that is configured to be received within a chuck of a power tool.
 7. The spade bit of claim 1, wherein: the first paddle portion defines two sides of the first relief space; and the second paddle portion defines two sides of the second relief space.
 8. The spade bit of claim 7, wherein: a first side portion of the two sides of the first relief space extends parallel to the axis; and a first side portion of the two sides of the second relief space extends parallel to the axis.
 9. The spade bit of claim 1, wherein: the first cutting edge portion includes a first forwardly extending spur, the first spur defining in part the first relief space; and the second cutting edge portion includes a second forwardly extending spur, the second spur defining in part the second relief space.
 10. The spade bit of claim 1, wherein: the first paddle portion includes a first leading face portion; the first leading face portion includes a first concave portion; the second paddle portion includes a second leading face portion; and the second leading face portion includes a second concave portion.
 11. The spade bit of claim 1, wherein: the first sloping portion defines in part the first relief space; and the second sloping portion defines in part the second relief space.
 12. A spade bit, comprising: a shaft defining an axis about which the spade bit is configured to be rotated; a blade operably connected to the shaft and extending forwardly from the shaft, the blade having a first paddle portion and a second paddle portion; and a tip portion operably connected to the blade and aligned with the axis, wherein the first paddle portion includes (i) a first leading end portion positioned on a first side of the axis and defining a first cutting edge portion which extends to an outermost portion of the first leading end portion at a first maximum distance directly radially outward from the axis, and (ii) a first lateral extension portion defining a first sloping surface which slopes forwardly from a first outer portion to a first inner portion closer to the axis, the first inner portion at a first minimum distance directly radially outward from the axis, wherein the first sloping portion defines in part a first relief space positioned adjacent to the first leading end portion, wherein the first minimum distance is less than the first maximum distance, wherein the second paddle portion includes (i) a second leading end portion positioned on an opposite second side of the axis and defining a second cutting edge portion, and (ii) a second lateral extension portion defining a second sloping surface, and wherein the second sloping portion defines in part a second relief space positioned adjacent to the second leading end portion.
 13. The spade bit of claim 12, wherein a plane P1 divides the blade into two equal parts.
 14. The spade bit of claim 13, wherein the axis is positioned in the plane P1.
 15. The spade bit of claim 12, wherein the shaft includes a polygonal-shaped end portion that is configured to be received within a chuck of a power tool.
 16. The spade bit of claim 12, wherein: the first cutting edge portion includes a first forwardly extending spur, the first spur defining in part the first relief space; and the first cutting edge portion includes a second forwardly extending spur, the second spur defining in part the second relief space.
 17. The spade bit of claim 12, wherein: the first paddle portion includes a first leading face portion; the first leading face portion includes a first concave portion; the second paddle portion includes a second leading face portion; and the second leading face portion includes a second concave portion. 